Species Name Panthera pardus
Family Felidae
Order Carnivora
Distribution
Leopards are found throughout Africa and Asia. The leopard is found in more countries than any other large cat.
Habitat
Leopards live in a wide range of habitats from tropical forests to high, mountainous, rocky snow country. They are most commonly found in riverine forests and bushes, and sometimes in the hills and rocky outcrops of the savanna. Though leopards prefer to be near water, they can live for several months without it.
Numbers
Leopards can be killed by lions. Other predators include snakes and hyenas, who usually only prey on sub-adult or sick animals. The most dangerous animal for leopards is humans, who kill leopards to protect their stock and take away the leopardsā land.
Related Species
Other members of the genus Panthera include the lion (.leo), tiger (P.tigres), jaguar (P.onca) and the snow leopard (P.uncia). The panther is a colour phase of the leopard.
Interesting Facts
The paws of leopards are believed in some circles to bring business success. The skin was used by African chiefs as part of their regalia. The species name, pardus, comes from an old common name of this animal, pard.